Washing reusable cloth nappies shouldn’t feel complicated — in fact its much easier than you think.
This simple, proven washing guide will show you exactly how to wash your cloth nappies. Whether you’re using EcoKinly nappies or any other reusable brand, this routine works for every household and every washing machine.
Let’s make washing nappies easy.
Quick Wash Routine Summary
- Dry Store nappies
- First - do a cool rinse
- Second - a long hot wash at 40–60°C
- Use a full dose of powder detergent
- Ensure your washing machine is 2/3 full for good agitation
- Line dry whenever possible
- Wash every 2–3 days
Why Washing Cloth Nappies Is Different to Clothes
Reusable nappies are made from multiple layers of absorbent fabrics like bamboo, cotton and microfibre. These are designed to hold onto moisture (and urine), so they need strong agitation, enough water, and proper detergent dosing to get fully clean.
Here’s what makes cloth nappy washing unique:
- They need a pre-wash rinse cycle first to remove urine before the main cycle - so its a two step process.
- Long cycles are essential for proper agitation.
- Some households may face hard water, which affects detergent strength.
- Line drying is ideal but a hot press, clothes horse or tumble drying inserts is fine.
The good news? Once you have a routine, it’s easy.
Step-by-Step Reusable Cloth Nappy Wash Routine
1. Dry Store Used Nappies
What this means in simple terms - that you keep your used wet or soiled nappies in a dry condition until your ready to put them into the washing machine.
The simplest and most hygienic storage method is to use an open-lid bucket or basket or wet bag with the zip open for good ventilation.
Don’t soak nappies in water — soaking encourages bacteria - airflow is better.
Its easier to remove solids from nappies before storing (use a liner or spray if needed - see our full guide here) but if your under time pressure you can store nappies soiled and remove solids ahead of putting them into the washing machine.
2. Rinse Step - Do a Pre-Rinse or Quick Wash First
This prepares nappies for a deep clean.
- Cold or luke warm water is best.
- Short cycle (20–30 minutes).
- No detergent or a very small amount - the key part of this step is the rinsing, so its the water thats doing the work.
- You don't need a full machine for this step.
- Only nappies and wipes should be put into the machine for the rinse step.
This rinse step removes urine from reusable nappies so that the next step - a long wash - can actually clean the fibres of the cloth nappy.
3. Main Wash Cycle (The Most Important Step)
This is where the magic happens.
- Temperature: 40–60°C
- Detergent: Full dose of powder.
- Cycle Length: 1.5–2.5 hours
- Drum: Ideally 2/3 full - bulk up with extra small items of clothes or tea towels
4. Drying Cloth Nappies
- Line Drying (Best Option)
- Fresh air naturally deodorises and sanitises
- Sunlight helps lift stains
- Tumble Drying: Inserts: low heat is fine. Do not tumble dry PUL (waterproof exterior)
- Avoid placing nappies directly on radiators
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